09/22/2025
On the afternoon of Friday, September 12th, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most, Nancy Ann Wallis (Wardlaw), 81, slipped quietly from this world with the same grace and courage that defined her life.
A red head with crystal blue eyes, born in Brewton, Alabama, Nancy was raised gently in Pickens, South Carolina. She carried with her the hallmarks of a proper Southern lady: polish, education, and a fierce sense of loyalty to those she loved.
Her accomplished hands served as occasional organist at First Baptist Church earning Nancy “Most Talented” by her Pickens High School Senior Class of 1962. A graduate of Limestone College and Clemson University, she dedicated most of her professional life to serving as the guidance counselor at D.W. Daniel High School. Though Nancy never had children of her own, she claimed every student who passed through her office as hers, cheering their victories and steadying them through their troubles. Her well-manicured hands spoon fed her precious Boykin spaniels and hand-built many beautiful homes.
Nancy was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville for twenty years where she served as a Greeter. Many recall her easy laugh and generous hospitality.
When cancer came, Nancy met it with enviable resolve. She chose no extraordinary measures, only expert hospice care, the presence of her beloved family, and closest friends. In her final hours, Nancy’s nieces and nephews attended to her physical needs and read aloud from the well-worn, Wallis family Bible. Nancy’s baby sister held her hand as she passed.
Nancy is preceded in death by her parents, James E. and Laura (Craig) Wallis, and by her brother, James E. Wallis Jr. She is survived by her former spouse, Wayne Wardlaw, and her sister, Mary L. Wallis. Nancy also leaves behind several adoring nieces and nephews, an intimate sorority of Craig cousins, and many devoted friends, each of whom carry forward her example of strength, wit, and unyielding love.
A private service in her honor will be held later at Craig Memorial Cemetery. In remembrance, the family asks that contributions be made to Clemson Paw Partners or the Craig Memorial Cemetery.
